ROBERT SNODGRASS scored two goals – a brave header and a thumping free-kick – that reminded Leeds fans of so many ­taken in similar fashion by Gary Speed during his days at Elland Road.

And they were also agonisingly close to another goal that would have provided an incredible climax to an emotional day when Leeds honoured the memory of Speed in front of his widow, Louise, and their two children.

Lloyd Sam, the player now wearing the No11 shirt that once belonged to Speed, dreamed of scoring and had even planned his own personal tribute to the midfielder.

And in the final moments of the match, only a fine save by Steve Mildenhall deprived Sam of a goal that would have meant so much to the Elland Road fans.

Sam said: “That should have gone in. I did everything right and put it in the corner, but the keeper made a good save.

“It would have been the perfect climax to the game if I had scored while wearing Gary’s number, perhaps the highlight of my career.

“I’m sick I didn’t score because I had planned my own tribute. I was going to put the shirt on back-to-front, then cover up my name so it would look like Gary’s.

He always gave 110 per cent for this club and, if you do that for these fans, they will respect you

Scotland international Robert Snodgrass spoke about Gary Speed

“The manager reminded me I was wearing No11 and it was on my mind. I could see the number 11 everywhere I looked around the ground and it was inspiring.

“Gary always looked like a true pro. I was lucky enough to play against him a couple of times and he was tremendous, a great player.”

Sam at least created one of the goals for Snodgrass, who believes Speed’s approach to football provides the ideal template for the men who have come after him at Leeds.

Scotland international Snodgrass said: “If I could do as well as he did in the game, it would be fantastic. Gary was a legend and it was fitting that we won. He always gave 110 per cent for this club and, if you do that for these fans, they will respect you.

“It was the right result on the day, but we just couldn’t go out there and win because of all the tributes to Gary. Millwall are a good side and it was up to us to do things right on the day and I believe we did that.”

Leeds manager Simon Grayson said: “Our main aim has been to get into the Premier League.

“We want to be in the Premier League and my personal motivation was for myself and the club. But there’s another one now – a very close friend who I’ve lost. I told the players to go out and do it for yourselves, for your families and for a player who represented this club for many years and with many fantastic performances.

“Whatever it took, we needed to get a result.”

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett said: “The atmosphere took the game away from us after their first goal.

“It was always going to be tough to get a result with the emotion of the occasion. Elland Road is an intimidating place normally, but today it was up a notch on that.”